Affairs last forever

Our pastor , JD Greear, has carried us through Proverbs this summer in an incredible series called 'Still Standing'. A couple of weeks ago he spoke on the immorality and adultery from Proverbs 7, emphasizing this verse:
"Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths. For many a victim she has laid low; and her slain are a mighty throng". (v. 25-26)
His reflections involved a personalized list of what would happen if he fell into the tragedy of immorality. It was a sobering sermon. I've taken the list and personalized it as well and it made a HUGE impact on me. I encourage you to do the same. Satan's tactics include convincing people that sin is not nearly as bad as they thought, and at that point in time, can be exactly what they need or deserve (i.e. Eve). SIN IS NEVER WORTH IT! This list is originally adapted from Randy Alcorn's The Purity Principle.

• First, above everything else, I would greatly disgrace the name of my Savior, who died for me.
• I would undermine the Gospel to everyone around me
• I would devastate and forever hurt Stephanie, the love of my life
• It would bring untold pain upon those who have poured into my life such as family and friends
• I would loose most, if not all, of my credibility in ministry for the rest of my life.
• I would loose the trust and faith of my children who may never understand why I exchanged their mother for a cheap thrill
• The Gospel would never again be the focus of my life or ministry again, sin and failure would be
• I would bring intense hurt and pain on my parents
• My wife may never be able to trust again
• One day I will look Jesus in the face and have to give an account for my life
• I would force God to discipline me severely
  
• Great pleasure and victory will be given for the Enemy.

All of this would be the result of forgiven sin. Sin ALWAYS has consequences, and it's never worth the pain. Satan is always trying to tear down husbands and fathers, it is his direct inroad to the entire family. Men, stand guard. "Be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." - I Peter 5:8
Here are seven principles from Prov. 7 adapted from JD's sermon:

1. Your enemy's at every corner (v.12)
2. Beware the lies (v. 21)
3. You can not live by desire alone; you must also live by design (v. 22)
4. Sin leads to death (v. 23-27)
5. It is MANLY to hide from temptation (v.6)
6. Do not do life alone (v. 9)
7. You can only escape falling for the "woman of sin" by being in love with the More Beautiful Woman (v. 4-5)